Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president G. Parameshwara came to the support of Ministers Vinay Kumar Sorake and K. Abhayachandra, who expressed in a public meeting in Ujire, their displeasure over statements accusing Dharmadhikari of Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala Veerendra Heggade in connection with the rape and murder of a 17-year-old girl near Dharmasthala on October 9, 2012.

When asked about the propriety of the two Ministers making such statements, Dr. Parameshwara said they had made the statements to stop baseless allegations against innocent people, who are revered in society.

“I support what they have said,” he added.

The family of the victim has accused Mr. Heggade of shielding four persons, including his own nephew, in the incident. Recently, at a public function in Ujire, Mr. Sorake and Mr. Abhayachandra said the government will take action against persons making allegations against Mr. Heggade.

Dr. Parameshwara said the case was being investigated by the Criminal Investigation Department. “Legal action will be taken against all persons, however powerful they might be, if they are found to be involved in the incident. I have all hopes of a lawful action in this case,” he said.

Anti-Modi campaign

Dr. Parameshwara said the party will go the whole hog in countering the campaign propagating Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi as the prime ministerial candidate. “We will go to people with facts that we possess on Mr. Modi,” he said, and added that the campaign projecting Mr. Modi will not have much affect on the Karnataka electorate. Dr. Parameshwara was in the city in connection with the meetings in the offices of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi Pradesh Congress Committees.

Among the issues raised included the need to give publicity for State government’s release of Rs. 20 crore as relief to farmers affected by fruit rot disease in arecanut in the district.

Party workers also spoke about the need to expedite the process of appointment of Mayor and Deputy Mayor to the Mangalore City Corporation and other municipal bodies that the High Court has put a stay to.